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Children's National Health System has the only dedicated Down syndrome clinic in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. The clinic is a specialized program coordinated through the Division of Genetics and Metabolism.

The multidisciplinary team, which includes medical geneticists and experts in the developmental and nutritional needs of patients with Down syndrome.

Improving Quality of Life for Children and Families

The clinic's team provides comprehensive care for more than 3,000 patients annually, and helps families manage the complex needs of children with Down syndrome. Our family-centered approach to care enables children to reach their full potential and eases stress on families.

A long established resource in the community, the Down syndrome clinic at Children's National works with families beginning with prenatal evaluation and can assist, if necessary, at the birth of the child. With the parents we tailors a health care plan that goes beyond clinical care. The team identifies a variety of resources for families, refers families to appropriate community programs, and can recommend support groups for parents and children. We also distribute parent education materials, and provide culturally sensitive assistance as needed.

The clinic's staff works closely with specialists throughout Children's National and referring pediatricians to achieve medical

Comprehensive medical assessment

Development diagnostic assessment

Coordination/monitoring of development services

Emergency newborn consultation at area hospitals on request

Specialty referrals

Resources for Families

Support Groups

ANDOS (Support Network for Spanish-speaking families of children with Down Syndrome)
Sponsored by Children's Hospital the group meets quarterly and publishes a quarterly newsletter. ANDOS has been the recipient of a number of grants for its work with the Hispanic community including the March of Dimes and the Board of Visitors of Children’s Hospital.

Parents of children with Down Syndrome
With chapters in Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, and Charles County. Children's clinical team is active in a number of area PODS (Parents of children with Down Syndrome) support groups.

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Children’s National provides a healthcare experience designed with kids in mind, and delivers confidence and assurance when parents need it most. We provide a wide range of clinical services and specialties dedicated to improving children’s health.

Children’s National sees children from around the Washington, DC, metropolitan region, nation, and world who need the kind of specialized expertise and child-focused care we offer. No matter what your child needs, we can provide care that’s just right.